Leicester deserves praise for success in EPL, says Van Gaal

Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez (L) is congratulated by team-mates after he is substituted during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Leicester City at Selhurst Park in south London on March 19, 2016. / AFP / ADRIAN DENNIS / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. /

Louis van Gaal said Leicester City’s remarkable title run reflects the strength of the Premier League, denying their success was embarrassing for Manchester United and Co.

Despite operating on a modest budget, Leicester top the Premier League by eight points as they continue to upstage the richer English clubs.

Leicester are within touching distance of the title following Saturday’s 1-0 win at Crystal Palace, with Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and United inferior to Claudio Ranieri’s high-flyers.

And Van Gaal said there should be nothing but praise for the club’s achievement so far.